Linzy Oliver Scott III

Linzy Oliver Scott III
Linzy Oliver Scott III was born to Dr. Linzy Oliver Scott, Jr., and Marlene Carlson Scott in
Orange, New Jersey, on November 7, 1966. After spending his early childhood in New Jersey,
his family moved to Atlanta, Georgia, where his father had accepted an offer to become one of
the city's first African-American board-certified orthopedic surgeons. Affectionately known to
many in his community as "Chip," he was a devoted son and a loving brother to his only sister,
Gina Scott. He attended The Lovett School, along with Gina, as one of the handful of African-
American students who integrated the school. At Lovett, he would receive his primary education
and flourish as a high school student – serving as a two-time class president and excelling as
an athlete, lettering in track, swimming, and football.
After finishing high school, he matriculated at the University of Virginia, where he graduated in
1989 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. Linzy thrived in college. He pledged the Eta
Sigma Chapter of the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity in 1985, and built upon his leadership skills by
leading his chapter as a young polemarch. He continued his athletic pursuits while balancing his
studies by joining the University of Virginia's track team as a walk-on as well as participating in
various academic and extracurricular clubs. Around this time, his entrepreneurial skills
blossomed. At the young age of nineteen, he established a successful, mobile one-man
business specializing in New Orleans-style snow cones throughout the summer. He would carry
this spirit of entrepreneurship throughout his life.
During a Kappa Cabaret party in 1985, Linzy was introduced by his cousin to her recently
pledged soror from Hampton Institute named Thalia Stepp, who was a member of Delta Sigma
Theta Sorority, Incorporated. From that moment on, the two became inseparable. It was love at
first sight, and the rest, as they say, is history. Following his graduation, he went on to earn his
Juris Doctor degree in 1992 from the Boalt Hall School of Law at the University of California at
Berkeley, where he wrote and edited articles for the school's renowned law journal. He still
always made time to take trips to Las Vegas, the home city of his soon-to-be wife, Thalia. He
was embraced immediately, winning a rare vote of approval from her enormous family and
friends, who loved being around him, except for when they met their fate during a game of
spades against him.
On June 6, 1992, Linzy was united in holy matrimony to his soulmate, Thalia. This match made
in heaven was built upon a foundation of deep love, support, and admiration that remained
constant throughout their seven years of courtship and 32-year marriage. The young couple
settled in Atlanta and to this union, four beautiful children were born. He was a devoted, proud,
and loving father who instilled in his children the same virtues that he exemplified. In Atlanta,
Linzy, Thalia, and their children found a longstanding church home at Cascade United
Methodist Church, under the leadership of Dr. Reverend Walter Kimbrough. Linzy was a faithful
servant and was also a member of the Men's Usher Board at Cascade.
After being admitted to the bar in Georgia, he would go on to enjoy a legal practice that spanned
over thirty years, during which he worked at some of the largest law firms in the nation. After
beginning his career at Jones Day LLP, he would go on to make partner at both Powell
Goldstein LLP and Duane Morris LLP, before finishing out his legal practice at Taylor English
Duma LLP. As an attorney, he displayed his ever-present intellectual curiosity and keen
understanding of corporate law and business in a versatile practice. He represented a wide
range of clients in a variety of contexts, including leading acquisitions and mergers involving
Fortune 500 companies, managing initial and secondary public offerings, and assisting
ambitious start-ups looking to break new ground. After leaving the field of law, he transitioned to
a new professional chapter of entrepreneurship and pursuit of his own business interests.
Along with pursuing his professional career, Linzy always strived towards a well-rounded life. He
spent time on the Alumni Board of Directors at The Lovett School and served on the boards of
the Georgia Partners of the Americas, Atlanta Urban League, Atlanta Regional Board of the
UVA College Foundation, Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia, and Warren/Holyfield Boys & Girls
Club. He was also a member of the Leadership Atlanta Class of 2006, the Leadership Georgia
Class of 2007, and the State Bar of Georgia.
From a young age, he was always good with his hands and he had a passion for designing and
building that continued through his adult life. He was the ever-present handyman around his
home, and he became the architect-in-chief of any school project that his kids were assigned.
Some of his favorite pastimes were boating, fishing, golfing, and watching movies; and he was
known for his made-to-order daiquiris. Linzy was an avid runner, swimmer, and biker who
enjoyed competing in triathlons. He was dedicated to physical fitness throughout his life and
encouraged others to incorporate exercise into their daily lives.
Linzy was called home to rest on June 12th, 2024 in the presence of his loved ones. To cherish
his memory and celebrate his life and legacy, he leaves his wife, Thalia Scott; his children, Linzy
Oliver IV, Kaitlin Olivia, and twins William McKinley and Zachary Benjamin; his mother, Marlene
Scott; his sister, Gina Scott; his sisters-in-love, Chareece Sheppard and Silvia Stepp; his
nephews, Sirius Sheppard and Tayo Mokuolu; his goddaughter, Danielle Grimble; his godson,
Michael Ashley; and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his father,
Dr. Linzy Oliver Scott, Jr.
Linzy was a pillar in both his family and community. He was deeply loved for his selflessness,
words of wisdom, ambition, compassion, matter-of-fact humor, attention to detail, knack for
connecting people, and his cool and impeccable style. He will be tremendously missed by all of
those who loved him.